This week in reading we have been working on our written responses to text. Students read a short story and looked closely at the characters. Students are using evidence from the text to infer character traits and how the character has changed. In their written responses they are expected to incorporate several pieces of evidence from the text that supports their thinking.

In math students have been very excited to learn the standard algorithm for addition and subtraction. We compared the expanded form that they used in third grade to the standard algorithm. It is important that students understand what is happening when they are regrouping and they will rely on their conceptual understanding from third grade. Also, they have been working on creating a written response that explains the regrouping process. In addition many students have been working on an enrichment project called, “Going Green”. This project incorporates the skills that they have practiced during the first month of school.

Just a reminder about homework expectations. Students are expected to read at least 20 minutes every night. They have a math video on playposit.com, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. For students who have not mastered their multiplication facts they need to be practicing daily.​Have a wonderful weekend!

Dear Fourth Grade Families,We are quickly settling into the fourth grade routine. We have spent time getting to know each other and learning about our classroom expectations. We will be having picture day next Wednesday, September 27th.This year we have a great opportunity to participate in a program called i-ready. Our class will be participating using the program in reading and math. I-ready is a program that helps to provide instructional material at your child’s level. On Thursday this week, students completed the diagnostic placement that allows me a clear view of their strengths and their needs. I am very excited about the instructional opportunities this program will allow.In reading we have been looking deeply at the main character in the books we are reading. Students have been asked to think about, “What kind of person is their character?” We are asking them to notice that their characters are complicated and act differently depending on the situation.In math we have been working on rounding. This important skill takes a lot of time for students to master. We have worked on two strategies for rounding, using a number line and a rounding rap. It would be great if you continued to work with your child at home on this important skill.Example:532,984 rounded to the nearest ten-thousand86,136 rounded to the nearest thousand803,277 rounded to the nearest hundred thousandHave a wonderful weekend.